Description
🐟 Apistogramma Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Apistogramma species (over 90+ types like Agassizii, Cacatuoides, Borellii, etc.)
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Family: Cichlidae
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Origin: South America (Amazon Basin)
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Size: 2 – 3.5 inches (5 – 9 cm)
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Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
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Tank Zone: Bottom to Mid
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 50 – 150 ppm
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pH: 5.5 – 7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
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Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 2 – 10 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Small, colorful dwarf cichlids with many varieties (reds, blues, yellows, and patterned fins).
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Males are larger and more colorful, females smaller and rounder.
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Peaceful compared to other cichlids, but territorial when breeding.
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Intelligent, active, and often interact with owners.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous (with preference for protein).
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Diet: High-quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia).
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily, small portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair, larger if keeping harems or multiple males.
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Filtration: Gentle filtration – they don’t like strong currents.
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Decor: Provide plenty of caves, driftwood, leaf litter, and plants (they love hiding places).
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Water Change: 20–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Best kept as a pair or 1 male + 2–3 females (harem style).
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Tank Mates: Tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, corydoras, small plecos, shrimp (with caution).
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Avoid: Large/aggressive fish or fin nippers.
✅ Do’s
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Provide lots of hiding spots (caves & plants).
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Keep in soft, slightly acidic water for best colors.
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Keep them with peaceful community fish.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep multiple males in small tanks – they fight.
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Don’t use strong filters – they prefer calm waters.
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Don’t keep with very aggressive or large fish.
⭐ Quick Tips
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One of the most beautiful dwarf cichlids.
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Ideal for planted aquariums.
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Known for their interesting breeding and parenting behavior.
